J-1 Teacher Exchange

Teacher Eligibility

​Foreign nationals are eligible to participate in exchange visitor programs as full-time teachers if, at the time of initial application to the sponsor, an individual making such application demonstrates to the satisfaction of the sponsor that he or she:

1. Either: (a) Meets the qualifications for teaching at the primary, including pre-kindergarten, or secondary levels in schools in his or her home country; is working as a teacher in his or her home country at the time of application; and has at least two years of full-time teaching experience, OR, (b) Is not working as a teacher in his or her home country at the time of application, but otherwise meets the qualifications for teaching at the primary (including pre-kindergarten) or secondary levels in schools in the home country; has had at least two years of full-time teaching experience within the past eight years; and, within 12 months of his or her application submission date for the program, has completed an advanced degree (beyond a degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree) in education or in an academic subject matter that he or she intends to teach or that is directly related to his or her teaching subject field;
2. Possesses, at a minimum, a degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree in either education or the academic subject field in which he or she intends to teach;
3. Satisfies the teaching eligibility standards in Texas;
4. Official government-issued documents verifying candidate is of good reputation and character;
5. Agrees to come to the United States temporarily as a full-time teacher of record in an accredited primary or secondary school;
6. Supply at least three (3) reference letters from colleagues, supervisors and/or principals attesting to that teacher's good reputation, character and teaching skills. One of these letters MUST be from the teacher’s current principal or school headmaster;
7. Demonstrate proficiency of the English language. A free English proficiency test will be required of all candidates.;
8. Submit a letter from the teacher's home country head of a school, which states that school's willingness to work with the exchange teacher on the cross-cultural activity component. The foreign school with which the exchange teacher plans to work must be at the same academic level as the foreign teacher's proposed host school. The letter submitted as part of the foreign teacher's application package must be signed by the head of the school or another individual in an appropriate position of authority to speak for the school within the foreign country's school system; the official signing the letter must list both email and telephone contact information. The letter may be submitted in English or in the original language of the home country with an English translation; the name, title/organization and contact information of the translator must be noted on the translation.
9. Confirm financial ability and sufficient funds to cover relocation expenses to the United States and living expenses for at least 2 months after arrival.

ILTexas Exchange Visitor Teachers will be responsible for the following:

• Teach as a full-time, paid faculty member at an ILTexas primary or secondary school

• Share language, culture, and knowledge with students, colleagues, and the surrounding community

• Assist students with additional academic needs (tutoring, discussion groups)

• Fulfill professional development requirements

• Complete the cross-cultural requirement

• Fulfill all obligations as outlined in the Terms and Conditions Contract (provided when hired)

• Perform other assigned tasks as designated by supervisors and school administration

What is the cross-cultural component requirement?

A cross-cultural activity is defined as an activity designed to promote exposure and interchange between Exchange Visitors and Americans so as to increase their mutual understanding of each other’s society, culture, and institutions.

During each academic year, the Exchange Visitor Teacher is required to complete at least one cross-cultural activity from each of the following categories:

• An activity for the teacher's classroom, larger host school or host school district population, or the community at large designed to give an overview of the history, traditions, heritage, culture, economy, educational system and/or other attributes of his or her home country. Sponsors of exchange teachers placed at international schools must require their exchange teachers to conduct at least one cross-cultural activity per academic year outside the host school in nearby schools or communities where international opportunities may be more limited than those found in their host school.

• An activity that involves U.S. student dialogue with schools or students in another country, preferably in the exchange teacher's home school, through virtual exchange or other means, in order to supplement the goals of the in-person exchange.

Teachers will be required to submit annual reports describing the cross-cultural activities performed to the Exchange Visitor sponsor. Support staff at each ILTexas school will assist Exchange Visitor Teachers in fulfilling the cross-cultural component.

Estimated costs, fees, and expenses a J-1 Teacher Exchange Visitor will incur:

Yearly Cost of Living Expenses 

1. Cars and trucks (used); Gasoline and motor oil; Other vehicle expenses; and Public transportation 
2. Electricity, Water, Gas, Cable, Internet
3. Entertainment: fees and admissions; Audio and visual equipment and services; Pets, Toys and Hobbies; Entertainment: other supplies, equip., & services; Reading; and Education
4. Apparel and services; Housekeeping supplies; Personal care products and services; Household furnishings and equipment; and Miscellaneous household equipment

Sources: 

• livingwage.mit.edu/states/48
• U.S. Energy Information Administration, Electric Sales, Revenue, and Average Price, 2021; Inspirecleanenergy.com; 
• DoxoInsights, U.S. Cable & Internet Market Size and Household Spending Report 2022; and Rentcafe.com, What Is the Average Water Bill?

Mandatory Salary Deductions

The following are mandatory deductions that must be taken from an employee's gross pay:

1. Some teachers may be exempt from federal withholdings due to a tax treaty between the United States and their country of citizenship. For more information, please visit the IRS U.S. Tax Treaties Publication 901 website https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-publication-901 
2. Mandatory FICA
3. FICA-alternative to Social Security contribution toward retirement, refundable upon exit of J-1 Program
4. In Texas, state income taxes are not levied.

2024 Tax Brackets and Federal Income Tax Rates  

Medical Insurance Requirements for J-1 Teachers  and J-2 Dependents

All J-1 Teachers will be provided medical insurance, at no cost to them, with the following coverage:

1. Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness;
2. Repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000;
3. Expenses associated with the medical evacuation of exchange visitors to his or her home country in the amount of $50,000; and
4. Deductibles not to exceed $500 per accident or illness.

Accompanying spouses and dependents (J-2) are required to be covered by medical insurance in the amounts as set forth above. J-1 Teachers are responsible for the cost of medical insurance for their respective J-2 dependents.

Cost of medical insurance for J-2 dependents will vary depending on insurance providers selected, ranging from $100 - $250 per, month depending on policy selected.

International Leadership of Texas begins the hiring process for new Exchange Visitor Teachers each spring. The first step is to fill out an application. A link to the application will be posted when it is available.

If you have any questions or would like to be added to the prospective teacher mailing list, please email j1teachers@iltexas.org.

Qualified applicants that are recommended for hire will be issued a Form DS-2019 from ILTexas. The form will be mailed via FedEx to the address provided on the application. Once an applicant receives the form, an interview at the nearest U.S. Consulate or Embassy should be scheduled. Applicants must pay the SEVIS fee prior to their visa interview. It is preferred an applicant makes an appointment in his or her home country. Please schedule an interview as soon as possible to ensure you receive your visa in a timely manner and can plan for the temporary move to America.

Visa issuance decisions are made by consular or immigration officers at the U.S. Consulate or Embassy. An applicant who receives an offer for employment and Form DS-2019 from International Leadership of Texas cannot be guaranteed that a visa will be granted. Applicants should not book flights nor make plans to move to the United States until passing a visa interview and receiving a J-1 visa in their passport.

How long does it take to obtain a J-1 visa?

Wait times for visa interviews and processing varies depending on the country of application and upon the circumstances of the applicant. Please visit www.travel.state.gov to find out about visa wait times in your country. Please apply as soon as possible. It is important to remember that Exchange Visitor Teachers beginning a new program may not enter the United States more than 30 days before the program start date found on form DS-2019.

Who is considered an eligible dependent?

A dependent must be a spouse or child of the Exchange Visitor Teacher. The age limit for children dependents is 21. Applicants wishing to bring a dependent will be required to submit an English translation of a marriage license or birth certificate.

Does my dependent have to accompany me when I initially come to the United States?

No, Exchange Visitor Teachers can come to the United States to begin their program without dependents. Dependents are able to arrive in the United States at a later date.

Can I add a dependent after I am already in the United States?

Yes. If you would like to add a dependent after arriving in the United States, please email j1teachers@iltexas.org.

Will my dependent have health insurance?

Any accompanying spouse or child is required to have health insurance. The Exchange Visitor Teacher is responsible for paying for the dependent’s health insurance.

Can the dependents of an Exchange Visitor Teacher work?

Yes. J-2 visa holders are eligible to apply for employment authorization through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) upon arrival in the United States.

J-2 visa holders cannot work until they receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

The wait time for an EAD application to be approved is typically three to four months. Once approved, J-2 visa holders can obtain a social security card. The EAD will have an expiration date. In order to continue working, dependents must renew their EAD card before this date.  

Can J-2 visa holders study?

Yes. J-2 visa holders are eligible to attend school in the United States.

How long can a J-2 visa holder stay in the United States?

J-2 visa holders remain in legal status in the United States as long as the Exchange Visitor Teacher has valid status. Once the teacher’s program ends, the J-2 dependent no longer has legal status in the United States.

International Leadership of Texas proudly collaborates with the following overseas affiliates in promoting the ILTexas J-1 Teacher Exchange Visitors Program.

• Secretariat of Education of Guanajuato – Guanajuato, Mexico
• Secretariat of Education of Querétaro – Querétaro, Mexico
• Magister – Educators Professional Development Centers – Madrid, Spain
• University of Almería – Almería, Spain

How long will I be eligible to teach on a J-1 visa?

ILTexas issues form DS-2019 for up to three years. Exchange Visitor Teachers are hired on a one-year renewable contract, and ILTexas annually assesses the teacher’s performance. Exchange Visitor Teachers are typically granted a three-year visa, and J-1 regulations allow the school to employ the teachers for up to three years. Extensions of one or two additional years may be available.

Can I extend my program?

Exchange Visitor Teachers are eligible to apply for an extension of one or two years, but not by a semester or by other fractions of academic years. A teacher should inform ILTexas of the desire for an extension, and the program sponsor will apply for an extension on behalf of the teacher. Applications for extensions should be made no later than three months prior to the beginning of the desired extension period. Extensions must be approved by the Department of State.

I received my visa. When can I arrive in the United States?

Exchange Visitors are permitted entry into the United States no more than 30 days before the start date on form DS-2019.

Will ILTexas buy my plane ticket to the United States?

No. Exchange Visitor Teachers are responsible for all travel to and from the United States.

Can I apply for this program if I teach a language or subject other than Chinese or Spanish?

ILTexas provides instruction in English, Spanish, and Chinese. Exchange Visitor Teachers come to ILTexas to teach Chinese or Spanish classes.

Does ILTexas offer J-1 visa sponsorship for categories other than teacher?

ILTexas has been designated by the U.S. Department of State to sponsor teachers. We are not authorized to sponsor any other J-1 visa category.

Does ILTexas offer any other type of work sponsorship for foreign nationals?

ILTexas only sponsors foreign nationals to work as teachers on J-1 visas. We are unable to sponsor foreign nationals with any other type of visa.

Can ILTexas sponsor me to work at any other school in the United States?

ILTexas only sponsors Exchange Visitor Teachers to work at ILTexas schools. We are unable to sponsor teachers to work at any other schools in the United States.

Will ILTexas help me change my status in the United States?

ILTexas cannot help applicants change their status. It is recommend that applicants who are in the United States and are eligible to change their status to J-1 contact an immigration attorney to inquire about a change of status.

What salary and benefits will I receive from ILTexas?

ILTexas Exchange Visitor Teachers are compensated for their work consistent with the pay schedule of local teachers with similar education and experience. ILTexas provides Exchange Visitor Teachers with health insurance at no cost. Exchange Visitor Teachers are eligible to enroll in and pay for other benefits such as dental insurance, vision insurance, and life insurance.

Can an Exchange Visitor Teacher work a second job?

Exchange Visitor Teachers are only authorized to perform the work described on their Form DS-2019. Teachers are ineligible to perform any other work for pay and cannot legally earn a wage at any other organization.

Where will I live?

Exchange Visitor Teachers are assigned an International Coordinator to assist with locating housing near the school. Teachers are responsible for housing costs for the duration of their time in the United States.

Do I have to pay taxes?

Exchange Visitor Teachers are paid a salary and are subject to federal taxes. Teachers from certain countries may be exempt from federal taxes due to a tax treaty between the United States and their country of citizenship. If no tax treaty exists, ILTexas will automatically deduct federal income taxes. Exchange Visitor Teachers may be exempt from Social Security and Medicare taxes. Teachers are expected to file a federal tax return each year for the income earned in the United States. If a teacher needs assistance in completing a tax return, he or she should contact a tax professional.

Can I get a driver’s license?

Yes. International Coordinators assist Exchange Visitor Teachers in finding a car and obtaining a driver’s license.

How long can I stay in the United States once my program has finished?

After you have successfully completed your  program, you are permitted by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to remain in the U.S. for up to 30 days. During this 30-day period, which is often referred to as the "Grace Period," you are under the jurisdiction of the USCIS and are no longer entitled to teach at ILTexas. USCIS grants this period to allow time to prepare for your return to your home country. You may travel inside the United States during this time, but you are not eligible to travel to another country as you will not be permitted re-entry to the United States because of the expired J-1 visa.